Toxicity of Bassia hyssopifolia to Sheep

Abstract

Bassia hyssopifolia, an introduced annual, is toxic to sheep. Signs of poisoning in sheep dying from acute bassia intoxication included weakness, incoordination, tetany, and coma. The toxic principle is probably an oxalate. On the basis of oxalate content, bassia is more toxic than halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus), another oxalate-producing plant. Bassia hyssopifolia should not be further seeded or allowed to increase, and care should be taken when grazing livestock on existing stands.